Flip flops

The history of shoes, which we now call "flip flops," dates back to Ancient EgyptThen the fashion for them spread to Ancient Greece and Rome, where the poor wore pairs made of straw and papyrus, and the rich wore rawhide, and only then they landed in Southeast Asia and, in particular, in Vietnam.

But, as it turned out, these shoes are considered traditional not in the aforementioned countries, but in the Land of the Rising Sun. For centuries, shoes have been made in Japan with a gap between the toes. The prototypes of the Vietnamese were called Dzori, they were made from rice straw and wood. Residents of Japan wore them, putting tabs on special cotton socks, in which the thumb was separated from the rest. In Europe, Dzori became known only after the Second World War. Since then, Western fashionistas have been happy to wear imitations of such shoes, only made of rubber and plastic.

Modern flip flops, also called shales or flip flops (due to the sound made when walking), are lightweight summer shoes without a backdropA kind of fully open sandals. They stay on their feet thanks to two special straps connected to each other by a vertical bridge in the area of ​​the thumb and “index” fingers. Flip flops are quite versatile, they are worn with pleasure by both adults and children. And today it is customary to wear them on bare feet without socks. Most often, these shoes are used on the beach, in the pool, sauna or bath.

If once flip flops were just cheap rubber flip flops for a bath and a beach, today they have become an organic part of a fashionable summer look. There are many different models that differ in material, color, finish, and sole shape.Flip-flops come in classic, urban, sports, beach, home, everyday, massage and even “evening” with a generous decor.

The sole of the classic flip flops is made of soft rubber, and their top usually has no decor. For the production of sports flip flops for the pool, not only rubber is used, but also silicone, which does not lose its strength under the influence of chlorinated water, and also such material does not slip, and it is convenient to put it on a wet foot.

Beach flip-flops stand out with rich shades of base and decor of the upper part. Everyday flip flops for hiking are often sewn from leather, because the natural material does not allow your feet to sweat. Leather flip flops are also preferable at home, preferably with an orthopedic base for better unloading of the foot. In hotels, light fleece flip flops are not uncommon, but on a tourist trip and at a doctor / cosmetologist appointment, disposable isolon flip flops will come in handy.

For discerning fashionistas, flip flops with a thumb ring, flip-flops and even flip-flops boots have recently appeared. For those who are not particularly fond of flat shoes, there is a choice between flip flops with heels or wedges (platform). In such shoes, the legs get less tired, and due to the thickening of the sole, its owners are protected from all sorts of bumps encountered on the way.

In general, fashion trends regarding shoes are aimed at intricate decoration and play with forms. Manufacturers decorate flip flops with rhinestones, stones, metal rivets, flowers, apply prints, inscriptions, drawings to the sole. Leather models are decorated with weaving, embroidery, multi-colored stitching and applique. Recently, rectangular, square and even diamond-shaped flip flops are presented to the attention of fashionistas.

Hand-made fashion is in fashion, and needlewomen love to choose flip flops as a creative object. As a result of the experiments, ethno-style shoes appear wrapped in a bright satin scarf, as well as glamorous sparkling models with pearl-finish.

As a material for the production of flip flops, rubber of various quality is most often used, from the cheapest, designed to be worn for only one summer season, to the expensive one, which has its own names, from well-known manufacturers. Specially treated resin, natural rubber, polymers, poly- and foam-propylene, plastic, silicone, leather and textiles (for example, terry) are also in demand in Vietnamese factories.

The classic colors of the flip flops are black, blue, dark green, brown and burgundy. Recently, you can find a variety of colors - yellow, light green, turquoise, orange, lilac, marsala, fuchsia ... Flip flops that combine several colors, usually from two to three, look especially interesting. But, do not forget that the color must be selected depending on the destination. If white or white-golden flip flops are quite appropriate in the pool or on the seashore, then in a dusty city they will quickly lose their appearance.

The most successful and iconic brand working on the manufacture of the most fashionable and sought-after Vietnamese models is Havaianas., this Brazilian company began its activities more than half a century ago, namely in 1962. The brand was originally conceived as a manufacturer of cheap shoes for the poor in Brazil, but a quarter of a century ago, Havaianas was rebranded, and since then it has been working closely with the most famous designers and fashion houses.Flip flops of this company are constantly printed on the pages of glossy fashion magazines.

In 2002, the famous fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier had the courage to release on the catwalk all models exclusively in flip flopsthereby making a splash. From that day, the public realized that flip flops can be not only boring rubber slaps suitable exclusively for the beach, but also quite interesting designer models in heels and in the form of sandals decorated with rhinestones.

Further, the baton was picked up by the houses of Mod Dior and Chanel. Their unique flip flops in everyday style were made of genuine leather, and designed specifically for evening and social events - decorated with stones, beads and rhinestones. Many models with heels and platforms were also demonstrated.

Today, designers and brands such as Emporio Armani, Porsche design by Adidas, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman and Reef are engaged in the release of fashionable and stylish flip flops. Well-known companies such as Merrell, Teva, Chaco and Rider specialize in the production of comfortable sports models.

Separately, I would like to note the popular Croks flip-flops from Croksmade from modern and eco-friendly Croslite material. This is a foamed polymer, and it, unlike ordinary rubber, is light, elastic, strong, dirt-repellent, light-washable, odorless and prevents the spread of germs and fungi.

First of all, when choosing a pair of flip flops, twist them in your hands, pay attention to the seams, bend the sole, do not hesitate to sniff. Rub the jumper, it must be soft, otherwise there is a risk of rubbing a delicate area between the fingers. It is desirable that the decor be sewn, the glue is less reliable and practical, especially when in contact with water. When trying on, the heel should not hang down outside the shoe; it is better to choose a pair one size larger.

On the beach, a pair of modern flip flops will be in perfect harmony with the color-matched swimsuit of rich colors. But wearing Vietnamese, fortunately, is not limited to going to the beach. A casual look will be supported by tops, T-shirts, alcoholic T-shirts, a fitted jacket, shirts, shorts, breeches and classic jeans. Flip flops can also be worn with skirts, both short (for example, from denim) and cotton maxi.

Decorated models are perfectly combined with sundresses, cocktail and evening dresses. But in the case when the shoes are replete with decor, it is better to choose a dress without drawings, draperies and pleats, so as not to look like a parrot or a Christmas tree. But if your couple is decorated with pebbles, you might consider buying earrings and a bead from similar material.

• Leather flip flops in a pleasant orange color match the color of the nail polish. Leather straps with adjustable buckle and sole made of natural cork give comfort all day long

• Glamorous metallic flip flops are not only beautiful, but also comfortable thanks to additional straps and jumpers. An open form will demonstrate high-quality pedicure, and a pair of hypertrophic rhinestones with its radiance will attract the attention of others

• A pair of light flip flops on a soft platform, decorated with transparent beads, will make its owner not only more beautiful, but also taller

• For this pair of flip flops, a bright scarf is not only a decor, but also an important element of a reliable design that does not allow this pair of shoes to fall off its feet and slap on the heels

• Transparent silicone flip-flops decorated with tinted flowers look weightless and elegant on the leg. Such a pair is useful not only on the beach, but will also be appropriate in the pool or as a home pair of shoes.

• An evening look will be supported by a pair of exquisite flip flops. A leather strap decorated with Swarovski stones and crystals, a high heel and a printed sole will appeal to any fashionista.

• Alternative styles of flip flops made of leather, suede and textile create a feminine image, they are perfect for walking around the city, shopping and going to the cinema.